T&T Clark Companion to Nonconformity

Protestant Nonconformity, the umbrella term for Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists and Unitarians, belongs specifically to the religious history of England and Wales. Initially the result of both unwillingness to submit to the State's interference in Christian life and a dissatisfaction with the progress of reform in the English Church, Nonconformity has been primarily motivated by theological concern, ecclesial polity, devotion and the nurture of godliness among the members of the church. Alongside such churchly interests, Nonconformity has also made a profound contribution to debates about the role of the State, to family life and education, culture in general, trade and industry, the development of philanthropy and charity, and the development of pacifism. In this volume, for the first time, Nonconformity and the breadth of its activity come under the expert scrutiny of a host of recognised scholars. The result is a detailed and fascinating account of a movement in church history that, while currently in decline, has made an indelible mark on social, political, economic and religious life of the two nations.

Robert Pope is Reader in Theology at the University of Wales, Trinity St David, based at Lampeter, UK. He is also a minister of the United Reformed Church.

PART 1An introductory essay outlining the importance of Nonconformity historically and theologically. It will give an account of the different terminology: Dissent, Nonconformity, Free Church. (John Briggs)PART 2An A to Z of Nonconformity. Brief articles will primarily relate to important Nonconformist leaders and denominations as well as significant events,language and concepts in Nonconformist history. This will be an opportunity to give some detailed account of names and events, referred to in part 3. All contributors will be asked to suggest possible entries; the editorial board will then commission these articles from contributors (including those not contributing to part 3). Care will need to taken both to avoid undesirable overlap with Part 3 and to use this section to supplement matters insufficiently handled there. Approx. 100 articles of 450-500 words = 50,000 words PART 3 SECTION 1 - Defining CharacteristicsSources for Nonconformist History - Clive FieldThe Denominations - John Briggs and Densil MorganThe Church and the State 1 - John Coffey (to 1750)The Church and the State 2 - John Wolffe (From 1750 on)The Bible - David BebbingtonArchitecture - Clyde BinfieldSECTION 2 TheologyChristology - Alan SellSoteriology - Peter MordenPneumatology - Robert PopePolity - D. M. ThompsonSECTION 3 Nonconformist LifeWorship - Ian BradleyHome and Family - Karen SmithEducation - Stephen OrchardNonconformist Reading Material - David BebbingtonEcumenism - Martin WellingsSECTION 4 Social WitnessPhilanthropy - Tim LarsenNonconformist Conscience - Densil MorganSECTION 5 Mission and the World Home - David Ceri Jones Overseas - Brian Stanley or Ian RandallBusiness and Industry (including Trades Unions) - David Jeremy Contributions to Culture - Doreen Rosman or Tim Whelan